94 
THE FLORIST. 
MR. SLATER ON THE NEGLECT 
OF THE CULTIVATION OF FLORISTS’ FLOWERS IN THE GARDENS OF THE 
NOBILITY AND GENTRY. 
Florists’ flowers, which may be considered the brightest gems of 
the garden, are, in many establishments, wholly discountenanced by 
the gardeners, on the ground that a greater number of hands would 
be required, which would increase expenses, to the dissatisfaction of 
their employers. Allowing this to be true, would not the gratifica¬ 
tion they afford counterbalance the expenses } Florists’ flowers do 
not require so much attention as represented, if cultivated in a 
proper manner. It is the neglect of them for a length of time 
which prevents them from making that display so attractive to every 
lover of nature. 
The Auricula, if the collection is small, will not occupy much 
time and trouble. Allowing them air freely upon all fine days, 
taking off all decayed leaves as they appear, potting in July or 
August, and a slight top-dressing in the spring, is all they require 
until out of bloom, which will be in May. They then require to be 
put in a shady yet airy place, and to be very seldom watered, as 
they do not like much moisture upon the foliage. They must be 
occasionally looked over, and cleansed from the green-fly, with a 
pipe similar to the blow-pipe, which, concentrating the air into one 
current, and directing it upon the plant, removes them instantly. 
Another thing to be observed at the same time is, to look for a 
species of black grub in the heart of the plant, which, if not re¬ 
moved, eats it out, and destroys the bloom for the following spring. 
The Polyanthus is less trouble than the Auricula. It may be 
grown in pots, and placed where it can have only the morning sun, 
or else planted in a bed in a similar situation. But in a small col¬ 
lection pots would be preferable, as in the cold months they could 
be placed in a south aspect, and consequently would winter much 
better. In April they could be plunged in sand, and by that means 
kept moist. The greatest plague to Polyanthuses is the red spider, 
and this insect can only be kept under by frequently watering them. 
The Hyacinth, from the fragrance of the bloom, as well as its 
beautiful and varied colours, ought to have a place in every garden ; 
but, notwithstanding its advantages, it is much neglected, from a 
belief that it cannot be grown in this country. Hyacinths in Hol¬ 
land are raised as a matter of trade, and the object of the Dutch 
florists is to get them ready for sale in as short a time as possible. 
This is done by planting them in an exceedingly rich compost, of a 
light, sandy nature. In the neighbourhood of Haarlem, I have seen 
the beds covered with a solution of cow manure to prevent the sandy 
soil being blown about; but, generally speaking, their situation is 
peculiarly adapted for bulbs, being so near water that they may be 
said to grow in soil and water. I have raised Hyacinths for the last 
four years, and I find I can do so as well as the Dutch, and produce 
bulbs equally large and weighty. The compost I use consists of at 
